NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Crisis Centre is lauding Chief Justice Brian Moree, QC, for seeking to establish a Sexual Offences Court by next year.
The chief justice recently said he wishes to have the court established by the end of March 2022, hinged on governmental support.
In a statement, the Crisis Centre said it has been calling on successive governments for such a court to be established.
“…We commend the chief justice for recognizing the importance of such a court, and we hope the government will follow through with this initiative,” the statement read.
The center pointed to recent revelations that some 66 percent of reported sexual offence cases remain unsolved and 30 percent of such cases are withdrawn, noting that these statistics shine “a bright light on the failure of our criminal justice system and the challenges facing victims of sexual assault”.
Survivors of sexual assault need to see and know that they live in a country that condemns sexual violence and will ensure justice.
– The Bahamas Crisis Centre
“Many victims of sexual assault struggle with the decision to report as a result of the perceived failure of the justice system to ensure accountability of perpetrators,” the statement read.
“A specially assigned court has the potential to address these concerns and the impunity of perpetrators.”
Additionally, the Crisis Centre said resourcing of the court and ancillary services necessary are “critical” to its success as well as its ability “to respond to these matters and deal with these cases in a timelier manner”.
“This court will interrupt the re-traumatization of survivors of sexual violence that so often occurs in the present system,” the Crisis Centre’s statement noted.
“Survivors of sexual assault need to see and know that they live in a country that condemns sexual violence and will ensure justice.
“It is hoped that this initiative would provide and highlight the importance of the establishment of a forensic laboratory that would enable the analysis of rape kits and other evidence to be addressed in a timely fashion.
“We look forward to the government resourcing this initiative so that it can have a meaningful impact and energize victims to regain their confidence in a justice system that is survivor-friendly.”
To this end, the Crisis Centre pledged to stand ready to assist however necessary to ensure the success of a Sexual Offences Court.
Loading ...
